Highlights of the November 14, 2005 Board Meeting

The Respiratory Care Board (Board) met on November 14, 2005 in Burbank, California. Following are highlights from the meeting:

Law and Professional Ethics Course Provider Presentations
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) each presented their independently developed ethics course for consideration and approval by the Board. The Board is pleased to announce that both courses have been tentatively approved and are scheduled to be available via the Internet on January 1, 2006, at which time, links to the courses will be added to the Board's website.

Law and Professional Ethics Course Proposed Implementation Dates
As provided in the Board's regulations, the Law and Professional Ethics Course must be taken by 1) applicants prior to licensure, 2) licensees as part of their continuing education during every other renewal cycle, and 3) petitioners prior to reinstatement of a license. The Board determined the implementation date for the course requirement would be January 1, 2006. Accordingly, individuals applying for licensure or reinstatement on or after January 1, 2006, will be required to completed the course prior to licensure or reinstatement, respectively. Course completion by licensees will be phased in over the next four years.

Additional information regarding implementation dates will soon be available on the Board's website, and will also be included in the upcoming issue of the Breathing Matters newsletter. Licensees can also look for more information, to be included with all renewed licenses, specifying the date by which the course must be completed as part of continuing education.

Kim Cooper Salinger, MBA, RRT, Service Recognition
The Board recognized Kim Cooper Salinger for her years of dedicated service and approved a letter to accompany a recognition plaque being presented to Ms. Salinger as a small token of the Board's appreciation.

Throughout her appointment, Ms. Salinger worked diligently in a variety of capacities, including her role as Vice President and member of the Board's Education Committee. Ms. Salinger's knowledge and experience, coupled with her unyielding dedication, made her an integral component of the Board. She made significant contributions on a number of issues that required her commitment, dedication and active participation. These contributions resulted in new laws and regulations aimed at improving consumer protection.

Whatever the challenge or endeavor, Ms. Salinger could always be relied upon to work diligently toward the enhancement of consumer protection. Her knowledge, experience and interest in education were instrumental in the early development of the Board's Law and Professional Ethics Course. Additionally, Ms. Salinger was also a catalyst in establishing the Board's education waiver process, and assisting in strengthening rules governing the evaluation of foreign and continuing education.

In mid-July, although eligible for reappointment, Ms. Salinger admirably chose to scale back her professional activities, dedicating her time and attention to her young daughter. While members will sincerely miss Ms. Salinger and her unyielding dedication to the Board and its mandate, they wish her many successes in all her future endeavors!

Sunset Review Extension
President Renner advised that the Board's Sunset Review, previously scheduled to begin Fall, 2005, had been extended for a period of one year.

2005 Legislation
The following legislation will become effective January 1, 2006:

Senate Bill 70 (Scott) - Requires the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to assist economic and workforce regional development centers and consortia including middle and junior high schools or high schools to improve linkages and career technical education pathways between high schools and community colleges for the benefit of pupils and students in both education systems, as described.

Senate Bill 229 (Figueroa) - Amends Business and Professions Code section 3751 to align petition requirements, require evidence of minimum competency, and to establish the authority to charge a reinstatement application fee.

Senate Bill 232 (Figueroa) - Extends the sunset date on which the Respiratory Care Board would become inoperative from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008.

Senate Bill 1111 (Figueroa) - Amends provision relating to exam administration to accommodate recent changes to the National Board for Respiratory Care's admission requirements, as well as other future procedural changes in examination administration. Repeals the authority for the Board to charge fees to CE providers and the requirement for the Board to report fee increases and provides that printouts of license verifications obtained via the Board's website, may be relied upon.

Adjustment of Ventilator Settings by Licensed Vocational Nurse Policy Rescinded
The Board noted its appreciation for the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians' (BVNPTs') decision to formally rescind its policy titled, "Adjustment of Ventilator Settings by Licensed Vocational Nurses" in response to the Board's concern for consumer safety.

2006 Board Meetings
The Board established the following dates and locations for its 2006 meetings:

February 10, 2006 in Sacramento.
April 14, 2006 in Burbank.
June 9, 2006 in San Jose.
August 11, 2006 in San Diego.
November 17, 2006 in Sacramento.

Meeting agendas are available on this website under "Board Information" at least 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Strategic Planning
The Board dedicated its afternoon to strategic planning to reevaluate its priorities inline with its vision. Once finalized, the updated Strategic Plan will create a road map to guide the Board as it pursues its top priorities facing the profession of respiratory care in the interest of consumer protection.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding Board business we'd like to hear from you. Please send an e-mail to: rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.